Approximately 47,000 Arizona children will be dropped from coverage when Governor Jan Brewer signed their new budget as of this past Thursday, March 19th, according to the New York Times. Arizona state leaders claimed that they were facing a $2.6 billion shortfall as of 2011.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP is a program in which parent’s use if their household income is too high to qualify for Medicaid however too low to buy insurance plans on the open market.
The Governor explains that more cuts into health insurance may be faced if voters to do not agree to approve a referendum in May which will raise sales tax by one cent for three years.

Medicaid for childless adults will also be expected to end, leaving 310,000 more individuals uninsured.

If you are an Arizona resident and want to view your health insurance options, visit our Arizona state specific page.

As of June 1, 2010, certain Medicare supplement plans will be phased out and new ones will be added. Plans E, H, I and J will no longer be for sale as mandated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. In its place, Plans M and N will now be added. Additionally, Plans C and F must be sold by all carriers who offer Plan A. According to Medicare.gov, if you already have or buy Plans E, H, I, or J before June 1, 2010, you can keep that plan for the course of the year.

Medicare Plan N will include copayments for doctor appointments as well as emergency room care. Therefore, the monthly premium will be 28% lower than Plan F, according to the Tuscon Citizen Online. Plan N is recommended for healthy individuals because of the $20 copay for doctors visits; Plan F may be the better choice for those who expect frequent doctor visits.

Those who choose Medicare supplement Plan M can split the Medicare Part A deductible with the insurance company 50/50 to lower monthly premiums. This should be around 15% lower than supplement Plan F, according to EzineArticles.

Medicare supplement Plans N and M do not cover Medicare Part B.

Carriers have been given until this date to change their plans. AARP, or UnitedHealthcare is now the first carrier to release their rates. Plan N’s premium is announced at $86.27.

In addition, Medicare plans will now offer a hospice benefit while at-home-recovery and preventive care will be removed.

For more information, visit our Medicare Supplement Plan N page and Medicare Supplement Plan M page.